The group had got into Quinn’s car in the early hours of the morning and was spotted on CCTV driving dangerously.

As he was speeding, Quinn approached a round about, lost control and crashed.

As a result of the crash, the BMW overturned.

Police and emergency services arrived a the scene at around 4am and found that the 17 year old, front seat passenger had suffered fatal injuries.

Paramedics pronounced James Docherty dead at the scene.

Quinn was arrested by police but hindered the investigation by sitting in silence through his interview. He did not even tell them his name.

The police launched an investigation following which Quinn was identified as the driver.

Quinn was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, causing death driving whilst disqualified from driving, causing death whilst uninsured, drink driving and drug driving.

In appearing at Newcastle Crown Court, Quinn pleaded guilty to the matters put to him.

He was jailed for 6 years and 9 months.

Quinn was also banned from driving for 5 years, that ban to start when he is released from prison.

Following sentence, police released footage of the CCTV to highlight the dangers of drink driving and drug driving.

Senior investigating officer, Sergeant Steve Armstrong said: “We have released this footage to show just how dangerously Quinn was driving on the night of this collision.

“He was under the influence of both alcohol and drugs and was driving in a dangerous manner at high speed in Newcastle city centre on one of the busiest nights of the year without any regard for members of the public or the passengers in his vehicle.

“I do not get any pleasure from a case where a young man has lost his life and our thoughts are with James’ family at what must be an incredibly difficult time for them.

“This is a devastating reminder of how dangerous it can be to drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs. People think that they may be invincible but the sad truth is that is not the case.

“The only positive that can come from this case is that it acts as a reminder to other motorists, young drivers in particular, that a vehicle can be a deadly weapon when it is not treated with respect.”

About Caught Drink Driving

Caught Drink Driving is part of Millars Solicitors who are a specialist firm of road traffic and drink driving solicitors who represent motorists all over the country.

Formed by Carl Millar, Millars Solicitors has adopted his dogged tenacity and exacting technical understanding of motoring law. Before starting Millars Solicitors, Carl was employed as the head of department for some of the most high profile motoring law firms in the country. He is a member of the Society of Motoring Lawyers and has an enviable nationwide reputation for the results he gets for his clients.

Through representing a wide range of people you will find Carl and his team very approachable and never judgemental. Their advice is straightforward and will leave no stone unturned in pursuing all available defences in presenting your case.

If you have been caught drink driving you can contact Carl today on 0800 99 5535 or your can send a confidential email by clicking here. If you need to speak to a drink driving solicitor out of office hours than please call the 24 hour emergency line on 07855 806119.